By Win Roddy
One of the advantages of being part of the WLD Whats On team, is that you get to highlight some of the many community events and the talented people who share their skills and time to organise them (mostly behind the scenes).
We certainly have some terrific venues here in West Leeds!
Recently The City Museum Singers made a special one-off appearance in the Nave at Kirkstall Abbey with a collection of Songs for Creativity and Wellbeing Week.
Taking advantage of the good weather and looking to increase my own wellbeing, I raised myself and set off for Kirkstall and the Abbey to see the Choir’s performance.
On my approach, the Cenotaph was unmissable, it certainly looked impressive with its cloak of poppies.
Veterans must surely have been moved by the work carried out by Wenzdae Robbins and other local volunteers to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE day in May.
Anyway, moving on, I followed the path running to the left of the Cenotaph and the signposted ‘Abbey Road’.
I have to admit that although I do walk, I’m not what you would call a walker. However, I could not help but feel that this winding path leading over the wooden bridge, with its dense greenery and air of tranquility, would in itself be an ideal spot for anyone considering or practising mindfulness.
At the end of this short walk, the magnificent Kirkstall Abbey, in its beautiful vast surroundings, emerged.
Working my way around the Abbey ruins with its many nooks and crannies, I did initially have some difficulty locating the entrance to the Nave.
And to be honest, the ‘doormen’ surrounding the Abbey were not really that helpful. I did ask for directions from one guy who looked very similar to ‘His Majesty’ but he didn’t respond, just rolled his eyes. I took the hint – got the impression he was just ‘hanging about’ waiting for the arrival of the more entertaining school children during the May mid-term.
Another of the ‘doormen was equally unresponsive. I mentioned to him that he looked bit ‘scary’ and might like to do something about his wellbeing. Think I heard him muttering something along the lines “well you’re nothing to ‘crow’ about yourself”.
I gave up and asked at the cafe reception desk where the staff were much more friendly. Directions were readily given, together with a map showing routes. I found the Nave and the singers.
The choir did not disappoint, their 30 minute performance was well attended and thoroughly enjoyable.
They performed a selection of heart-warming songs, some solo. The performance concluded with the choir leader reminding us all about the benefits of singing in a choir and its positive effects on mental wellbeing.
She encouraged audience participation for the last song. We warbled along probably relieved that we were not asked to sing solo. It was certainly a motivating experience.
The Leeds City Museum choir meets once a month – first Friday of every month from 1pm to 2pm. It usually meets and performs at Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 8BH.
It is made up of singers of all abilities with the aim of giving people the chance to enjoy singing in a relaxed environment. Choir leader is a local jazz singer and music teacher.
Contact: Email: city.museum@leeds.gov.uk
Sessions are free and cover warm up exercises and songs to promote wellbeing, along with a chance to connect with people.
More Kirkstall Abbey events to look forward to this summer:
- Scarecrow Festival: 24 May-1 June
- The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth 1: 17 June 7pm – Open Air Theatre
- Abbey Markets: 29 June & 30-31 Aug
- Weetwood Mac & Graceland – The Return: 11 July 6pm-11pm
- Kirkstall Festival: 12 July – 11am–6pm:
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream: 6 August 7pm – Open Air Theatre
- Panto in the Abbey: Snow Queen 15 August 2pm
- Twelfth Night: 16 August 7pm – Open Air Theatre
- Panto in the Abbey: The Frog Prince 20 August 2pm
- Panto in the Abbey: Beauty & The Beast 26 August 2pm
- Robin Hood: 27 August 7pm – Open Air Theatre
Check out WLD‘s what’s on section for more local events here.
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